Charity knits jumpers for homeless canines

Come winter the temperatures plummet and you'll no doubt reach for a blanket or jumper to keep you warm indoors.

But spare a thought for the individuals who sleep rough on the streets and their doggy companions.

Knitters are now being urged to help "keep canines cosy" by making them their very own doggy jumper.

Dogs Trust is calling on crafty folk to help with its Hope Project, which distributes canine hampers, including bowls, tinned food, leads, collars and toys, to homeless mutts around the UK.

The scheme first began in 1994, offering free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are living in temporary accommodation or are homeless.

Discussing this year's hopes, Clare Kivlehan, Hope Project manager, said: "The bond between any dog and owner is a strong one but for homeless people their dog can be their only friend.

"Each year we're delighted to be able to distribute these hampers to homeless hounds to help make Christmas happier for them and their owners."

Knitters can send their jumpers into the Dogs Trust Head Office in London before November 23rd, ready for them to be distributed in December to grateful dogs and owners.

Why not have a practice at some jumper patterns before then, or make up your own by measuring your dog at home? Remember to try different shapes and sizes to make sure they can accommodate a range of homeless canines.

Bold, bright colours or patterns can be especially uplifting, but most importantly you want to knit something that will be able to endure winter weather, helping to shield them against the elements.

As well as knitting doggy jumpers, the charity is asking people to contribute money to the hampers too, by buying toys and treat stockings to be placed in the boxes, ready to surprise the plucky pups this Christmas.

If this sounds like a project you would be interested in have a look at the Dogs Trust website for more details or pop into your nearest charity shop.